Tuesday, May 19, 2026 - Fort Sumter, Charleston aquarium, rooftop happy hours

We started the day with a walk across the city into the bay. This is where we picked up the ferry to Fort Sumter. 

It was a perfect day for a ferry ride. Light breeze, sunny, around 80°. We got some interesting history by the tour guides on the way out regarding the American Revolution, the Civil War and the history of the Bay in Carolina. The Fort itself is not very large.  In fact it is about 1/2 the height it was when it was in service. It was completely destroyed by shelling twice, once by the confederacy and once by the union, as each side held it, alternatively, during the Civil War. It was decommissioned as a military outpost in 1948.

While on the fort grounds we watched a flag raising. The flag that was raised is a historical flag from women the war broke out in 1861. It has 33 stars, for the 33 states that existed at that time.  I also learned what a spangled star was at this visit.  "Spangled" means slightly tilted, so there is no top point, pointing straight up.  

Park ranger who raise the flag gave a nice speech about learning from history, national unity and considering what the flag means from other people's perspectives.

Nice ride back. I may have closed my eyes a couple of times. But white plastic chairs aren't very comfortable for naps. 

After returning we went to the South Carolina aquarium which is directly across from the Fort Sumter departure/return.  We did a a great job of avoiding the mass of elementary school kids that were on a tour, while they entered through the front, we started at the rear of the exhibit hall. 

The aquarium is enormous. 385,000 gallons and three stories tall.  There are dozens and dozens of fish species in it. I was amazed that none of the fish eat each other.  It was explained to us that the fish primarily eat processed salmon and so they don't see the other species as food. 

There are also a few non sea creatures at the aquarium. River honors, land turtles, snakes, alligators etc. 

A long walk back to the Airbnb after lunch at a small gyro, shawarma place.  We're getting in a good 5+ miles a day here.

We decided to hit a couple rooftop happy hours and then eat the leftovers at home for dinner. We first went to Allora right across the street from The Airbnb. Very nice place. Happy hour specials were limited to the bar seating area, but a terrific deal. Half off all specialty drinks and $3 Peroni beer. 

Our next stop was uptown social.  The deals here were good too but the quality was much lower. $5 well drinks and $6 beers.  They also have a happy hour $6 pizza, which actually looked pretty good, but we've already had pizza twice this trip. 

Our last stop was the Pour Tap Room.  It's the highest rooftop bar in Charleston. It may also be the highest amount of money you will spend for a drink.  They should call it the "Poor" Tap room.  We spent more here on a single drink than the last two places combined.  Anyway, nice views but not recommended.